Vespa VXL: First Look Review

Vespa VXL First Look Review

Piaggio has added the Vespa VXL to its range of lifestyle scooters. For the first time, the Italian manufacturer is offering a Vespa model with a 150cc engine, apart from the 125cc unit. We take a look at the scooter to see how it is different from its predecessor, the Vespa VX 125.

The Vespa VXL’s traditional design continues to draw inspiration from the company’s iconic design philosophy. The retro circular headlamps, mirrors and the grab rail are embellished in chrome and give the scooter a distinctly elegant look. The front apron carries the parent company’s logo along with a small chrome grille and clear lens indicators. The Vespa VXL has been updated with a host of funky paint schemes, wider Maxxis tyres, an electronic display in the instrument cluster and a new mode button on the switch gear. It also gets a trendy design for the chromed five-spoke alloy wheels, a 3D logo and an elongated single-piece seat.

Mechanically, the Vespa VXL models are identical to the rest of the Vespa range. They are built on the single piece steel monocoque chassis, with the engine as a stressed member. The Vespa VXL 125 continues to be powered by the same carburetted 125cc single-cylinder engine that produces 10bhp and 10Nm of torque. The Vespa VXL 150 on the other hand, gets a new 150cc unit that produces 11bhp and 11Nm of torque. Both the engines are offered with a CVT gearbox. Dimensionally, the Vespa VXL measures 1,770mm, 690mm and 1,140mm in length, width and height, respectively.

The Vespa VXL models come with a 200mm front disc brake as standard. The rear tyre gets a 140mm drum brake. The Vespa VXL gets broader 110/70 and 120/70 section Maxxis tubeless tyres in place of the older model’s 90/100 units. The suspension setup is made of a single side arm suspension at the front and a hydraulic monoshock in the rear.

The Vespa VXL 125 gets a new maze grey paint scheme, while the 150cc sibling is available in a unique green shade. Apart from these, both these models are also available in four trendy paint schemes – yellow, white, red and matt black. Optional extras include a front chrome bumper guard, a perimeter kit and a visor.

Both the Vespa VXL models are locally manufactured at the Piaggio plant in Baramati, Maharashtra. The Vespa VXL 125 is priced at Rs 77,308, while the Vespa VXL 150 carries a price tag of Rs 84,641 (both ex-showroom, Pune). As these models occupy a niche spot in the market space, they don’t really have any competition in the Indian market.